Everton are bracing for a new transfer row with Manchester City.

The Liverpool Daily Post says after the Joleon Lescott of 12 months ago, Everton are bracing themselves for another transfer battle with Manchester City after Mikel Arteta emerged as a leading summer target for Roberto Mancini.

The City manager has placed Arteta high on his midfield shopping list as he strives to bolster his squad after missing out on Champions League qualification.

Arteta's future has already been the subject of speculation this week with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger reportedly considering the Spaniard as a replacement for Barcelona-bound Cesc Fabregas.

The player's agent, Inaki Ibanez, responded to such rumours by yesterday stating Arteta was content at Everton and said: "He has a wife and child and is happy in the city."

However, that is unlikely to deter City who, bankrolled by their billionaire Abu Dhabi owners, would tempt the Spaniard with a lucrative contract offer.